This is in regards to the O16 Shut Down Bay St. Protest on the 16th. Click that link for details on the event. If you're interested, scroll down and at the bottom of this entry are details on the welcoming assembly on Sunday as well. Those planning on attending would be advised to do their best to bring a friend or two and stick with them, and to have the items below:
PERSONAL FIRST AID SUPPLIES
- Adhesive bandages (a variety of sizes)
- Gauze pads (eg. 7.5cm x 10cm)
- Gauze roll
- Antiseptic swabs (eg. B-D Alcohol Swabs)
- Medical tape
- Tampons
- Asthmatics should bring bronchodilators
- Any necessary prescription medication (Bring original bottles and if possible a doctor's note explaining how you must take the medication. This will help in dealings with the police, including arrest)
Store these items in a ziplock bag and carry them in a jacket pocket or an easily accessible knapsack pouch.
PERSONAL CHEMICAL TREATMENT SUPPLIES
- 1 water eye flush bottle: at least 0.5 litre. Must be a pop-top bottle which does not leak when inverted and which decompresses quickly/completely when squeezed
- LAW: 0.5 litre. 1 part liquid antacid (Maalox or generic, unflavoured preferred, avoid lemon) and one part water. Bottle must have a pop-top and must be able to squirt and drip effectively. This mixture helps to neutralize chemical irritants in the eyes and on the skin)
- Roll of toilet paper: This is for blotting up pepper spray and for applying/cleaning up LAW. Also good for blowing the nose after irritants get the mucous flowing.
PERSONAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT
- Swim goggles (sealed fit, shatter proof) or carpenter's goggles (these can fit over eyeglasses. Use a pair with as few vents as possible. You must seal these vents with duct tape)
- Wear eyeglasses not contact lenses. Contacts trap gas and pepper spray (even pepper spray vapour) which may result in permanent eye damage
- Respirator or gas mask. If they do not have a visor, however, so goggles will be necessary
- Bandana soaked in cider vinegar: Bring a small bottle of cider vinegar and 2 bandanas. Store each bandana in a ziplock bag. Prior to the action, pour some vinegar into one bag and soak the bandana in preparation for use. Keep the prepared bag handy (eg. tucked in a jacket sleeve, etc…). Keep bandandas on hand as a backup to the respirator.
- Carpenter's dust masks: I have 15 to 20 for our use. Wear this paper mask beneath your bandana. It will help filter out the strong vinegar smell and protect the skin
Clothing: Cover-up as much skin as possible. Wear a layer of clothing clinched at the wrists, ankles and neck to prevent irritants from getting to much of your skin. Tuck in your layers (eg. tuck t-shirt in your pants). Fleece and sweaters trap gas and pepper spray, sometimes releasing irritants for days after. Therefore, wear an external layer > of protective clothing of synthetic water-repellent or non-absorbing materials. Wear something on your head (eg. bandana, hat) to protect your head and hair from chemicals. Bring some spare clothes in case your first set gets too contaminated.
Note: Avoid tear gas and pepper spray if: you have asthma, respiratory problems/infections, you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant (chemicals may prompt menstruation or miscarriage), you are ill or have a poor immune system, you suffer from seizure disorders, you have an eye infection.
OTHER SUPPLIES
- Notepad and pen: to record information such as the name and condition of a comrad who gets hurt and what hospital he/she might be taken to, police badge numbers, police car/van numbers, accounts of incidents for legal purposes, etc…
- Map of downtown area: these will be provided on the day
- Drinking water bottle and food (eg. power bars, etc…): we need to keep our energy up and keep hydrated. This is very important for proper bodily and mental functioning under stressful conditions.
- Do not bring personal phone books/date books, illegal drugs or things which could be construed as weapons (eg. nail files, pocket knives, etc…)
Thanks to Saira for sending me this list. She's also asked me to post this PR about the Welcome Assembly Party tomorrow. Check it out if you're in Toronto:
******* SPREAD FAR AND WIDE **********
Come on out to the Ontario Common Front's October 14th Welcoming Assembly and Party.
Get ready for the October 16th Financial District Disruption Actions:
* get info
* hook up with activist from across the province and beyond
* check out our action workshops
* hang out, relax, and have a beer before the big day
where? CLUB 360 (324 Queen W -just east of Spadina)
when? Sunday, October 14th from 1 pm well into the night
what? 1 pm: Welcome Assembly
* hook into plans to challenge the Harris government on October 16th
* find out more about the Common Front, including other key actions through out Ontario
* get a chance to ask questions and get involved
Speaker: Sarah Vance, OCAP organizer
plus reps from Toronto OCF working committees
2-4pm: Direct Action workshop with our friends at the CLAC
4-6:30pm: Legal and Medical Workshops
7 pm: DJs and entertainment with,
DJ Dalia and Venus, DJ Saira and more
**also: drop by to hook up with billets and talk to our Welcoming Committee
FREE!
(though any donations would help)
